Manitoba reopening retail stores as of January 23, 2021
January 21, 2021UPDATE: Manitoba confirms retail stores may reopen January 23, 2021
The Manitoba Government has confirmed that they will be moving forward with a new Health Order that will allow most retail stores to reopen January 23, 2021.
Following extensive advocacy by RCC, we are pleased that as of Saturday all retail stores across the province, with the exception of northern Manitoba, will be permitted to reopen to the public at 25% of fire code allowance, to a maximum of 250 people, not including employees. The announcement also puts an end to what essential/non-essential products can be sold within stores.
Given the high case counts in northern Manitoba and in many First Nations communities, changes only apply to Winnipeg, Southern Health–Santé Sud, Interlake–Eastern and the Prairie Mountain Health regions.
Stores are expected to maintain strict adherence to all safety requirements and have been encouraged to continue to promote online shopping, curbside pickup and delivery, as strategies to support greater social distancing.
Other Announcements:
- Non-regulated health services, such as pedorthists and reflexologists will fully reopen.
- Barber shops and hair stylists can reopen at 25% capacity with adequate physical distancing and requirements to collect information for contact tracing purposes.
- Two designated people (family or friends) will be permitted to visit a household.
- Outdoor visits of up to five people plus members of a household on outdoor private property will be permitted.
- Funerals will be allowed to have up to 10 people in addition to the officiant.
Future phases:
As part of its cautious reopening strategy, the government will maintain current restrictions in other areas at this time, however expressed a commitment to reopen the economy as quickly that the situation allows. The Health Order will be next renewed February 12, 2021.
For more information, contact John Graham, Director of Government Relations (Prairie Region), at jgraham@retailcouncil.org.
